Please note: the site is currently closed to carry out remedial works necessary to re-open the monument.
The current plan is for it to be opened to visitors at the end of July 2024 on Saturdays and Sundays until the end of October, with bookable group access at other times. Read the press release for more information.
Built almost 2000 years ago, this extraordinary Roman building, a Scheduled Monument, is thought to have originally formed part of a large 'mansio' (official hotel) for travellers crossing the English Channel. Dover, or Dubris as it was called, was the leading naval base and gateway to Roman Britannia.
The 'mansio' was demolished by the Roman army during the construction of a larger Saxon Shore Fort, the west wall of which cuts through three of the rooms. Its burial resulted in the unique survival of over 400 square feet of painted plaster, the most extensive ever found north of the Alps.
Five rooms survive, with large areas of painted murals showing scenes of Bacchus, primarily known as the god of agriculture and wine, but also associated with fertility, drama and revelry. The elaborate underfloor heating system (hypocaust) is still substantially complete, and visitors can see the large arched flues, various heating channels and vertical wall-flues that kept the building comfortably warm 1800 years ago.
Accessibility: Due to the nature of the site, there is limited access only and no accessible toilet.